This method allows us to list activities gathered during research and see how they are grouped based on their relationships. The clustering results are then turned into a network diagram that visualizes all the activities together, showing their overall interrelationships. The diagram shows how activities constitute larger clusters of activities and how, in turn, these clusters connect to higher-level ones in a hierarchical patent. The method is particularly effective for constructing a big picture of people’s activities and their needs that, in turn, can help reveal opportunities for innovation.
Finding a broad definition for any cluster is a key part of the method. For example, activities in an organization might cluster the activities “coordinating tasks,” “leading discussions,” “providing support,” and “monitoring projects”. This cluster can be named “coordinating people”. We can repeat this process to form higher-level clusters of hierarchy.
- STEP 1: List activities for structuring
- STEP 2: Determine the relationship between activities
- STEP3: Determine a scoring scale to measure relations between entities
- STEP 4: Create a symmetric matrix
- STEP 5 Score the relations
- STEP 6 Sort the matrix
- STEP 7 Identify clusters
- STEP 8 Define and label clusters
- STEP 9 Create a network diagram
- STEP 10: Capture insights and make frameworks
Finally, summarize findings and share them with team members and other stakeholders. Discuss the insights and framework and use the feedback to revise your analysis. Document your process and results for future networks.
